Bulembu

Bulembu is a small town located in northwestern Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), near the border with South Africa. Originally a mining town founded for asbestos extraction, its economy was largely dependent on the Havelock Asbestos Mine, which was one of the world's largest asbestos mines. Following the mine's closure in 2001 due to health concerns related to asbestos, Bulembu faced significant economic and social challenges.

In the years following the closure, Bulembu has undergone revitalization efforts focused on transforming the town into a self-sustaining community based on tourism, forestry, agriculture, and other industries. These efforts are largely spearheaded by the Bulembu Ministries Swaziland, an organization aiming to provide care for orphaned and vulnerable children, create jobs, and restore the town's infrastructure.

Bulembu's attractions include its scenic location in the mountains, its history as a mining town, and its ongoing transformation. Activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the surrounding natural environment are popular with visitors. The town also features accommodation and hospitality services catering to tourists. The Bulembu Bakery, known for its bread and pastries, is a prominent example of the town's revived economic activity.

The revitalization project in Bulembu serves as a model for community development and sustainable transformation in the face of economic hardship. It highlights the potential for former industrial towns to reinvent themselves through diversification and social entrepreneurship.